New Jersey Strengthens Pet Store Requirements with Consumer Protection Law

Gov. Chris Christie has signed a new consumer protection law that will prohibit New Jersey pet stores from selling puppies from some of the worst puppy mill operators in the United States. Under the new law, pet stores in the state are banned from purchasing puppies from commercial dog breeders with severe Animal Welfare Act violations. Kathleen Schatzmann, New Jersey state director for The Humane Society of the United States, issued the following statement:

“New Jersey pet stores sell thousands of dogs to consumers every year, many from some of the most notorious puppy mills in the country. The passage of this law signals a rising interest in cracking down on the puppy mill industry nationwide.”

More than 70 localities nationwide, including the cities of Miami, Chicago and Los Angeles, have banned the retail sale of commercially-raised puppies from puppy mills altogether. The HSUS urges those who are considering bringing a dog into their family to adopt from an animal shelter or rescue group, or seek out a responsible breeder.